Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett says Arne Slot’s “boring” style could see the Reds part ways with the Dutch boss this summer
Arne Slot has endured a difficult second-season with Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Former MMA champion and avid Liverpool supporter Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett believes the club will part ways with current manager Arne Slot at the end of what has been a challenging season so far.
The Dutch boss faced one of the toughest tasks in football last season – replacing Jurgen Klopp. Slot rose to the challenge by winning the Premier League in his first campaign at Anfield. The 47-year-old achieved the feat without heavy spending, with Federico Chiesa his only signing at £12.5million.
After lifting the title and saving money in previous transfer windows, Slot then more than doubled down ahead of the following campaign. Liverpool’s spend rose dramatically from £12.5m in his first summer to £415m the next – though there was considerable income from player sales as well.
Despite that outlay, the Reds have struggled for consistency. While results have improved following a poor run that included four straight Premier League defeats, Pimblett believes Slot’s slower style of play does not suit the club and could see him leave this summer.
Asked whether he was Slot in or out, the mixed martial artist told BBC Sport: “No, I’ve never been one to say ‘sack him, sack him’ but at the end of the season I can see them parting ways. Yeah, it’s too boring lad. It’s too boring.
“We were so spoilt with Jurgen (Klopp), like it’s mad. We’re just so boring to watch at the minute, I’m sick of this passing backwards and then back to the keeper.
“I’d rather someone just have a shot, or just hoof it up, all this passing round the back four absolutely does my head in. Lad, I’ve been at the games the last few weeks, that Leeds game is one of the worst games of football I’ve ever watched. I swear lad it was so boring.”
Klopp was renowned for his gegenpressing approach – a high-intensity style that demanded relentless pressing and quick transitions after losing possession. It allowed Liverpool to create chances at pace rather than relying on slower build-up play.
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With supporters having grown accustomed to that approach, Slot’s more measured, possession-focused style has led some fans, including Pimblett, to brand Liverpool’s football as “boring”.
The season had started perfectly under Slot, with Liverpool winning their opening five league games. However, opponents soon began exploiting defensive weaknesses, leading to a slide from the top of the table into the bottom half.
Liverpool have since shown signs of improvement and have not lost since late November, but draws against Leeds United and Fulham suggest they are still short of where they want to be.
Slot’s side currently sit fourth in the Premier League, eight points behind third-placed Aston Villa and 14 adrift of leaders Arsenal. Securing Champions League qualification would still represent a positive outcome in what has been a testing season.
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